SOCCER: England leave Foden and Palmer out of World Cup squad

England manager Thomas Tuchel has named his 26-man World Cup squad, making surprise calls like Ivan Toney while leaving out stars such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, and Harry Maguire. Tuchel’s selection favors current form and squad chemistry over big reputations, with only eight players from the 2022 quarter-final squad included.

Martyn Herman / Reuters

May 22, 2026

England manager Thomas Tuchel announces the World Cup 2026 squad during a press conference at St George's Park in Burton upon Trent, Britain, May 22, 2026.

Peter Cziborra / Reuters

LONDON – England will head to next month’s World Cup without several familiar faces, as midfielders Phil Foden and Cole Palmer were left out of manager Thomas Tuchel’s 26-man squad announced Friday.

In a surprising move, former Brentford striker Ivan Toney was recalled after playing only seven minutes of international football since Euro 2024. Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo earned a spot following a strong second half of the season, while teammate Harry Maguire, a regular in England’s defense in recent tournaments, was omitted.

As expected, Real Madrid right back Trent Alexander-Arnold was overlooked, having made only one appearance since Tuchel took charge of England in January 2025. Brentford veteran Jordan Henderson, known for his leadership qualities, becomes only the second England player to make four World Cup squads, joining Bobby Charlton.

Tuchel’s selection highlights his focus on form and chemistry over reputation, with many players chosen despite limited previous tournament experience. Only eight members of England’s 2022 World Cup squad, which reached the quarter-finals in Qatar, are included this year.

“I love the difficult decisions, and I love the tough decisions — they bring a certain edge,” Tuchel told the England official app. “That is what you need to go all the way. In the end, we have to pick the squad that we as a staff are convinced of and really believe in. Everything I know about international football and everything I hear is that it is about chemistry. It is about the energy, connection, and trust between me and the players.”

Foden and Palmer had been competing for the No. 10 role but fell behind in Tuchel’s pecking order following disappointing club seasons. Nottingham Forest midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White, despite finishing as the joint top English goalscorer in the Premier League alongside Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, was also left out.

Watkins is one of seven forwards selected, with England expected to rely heavily on captain Harry Kane for goals. The team, considered one of the tournament favorites, will compete in Group L alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

England 2026 World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City)

Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Jarell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), John Stones (Manchester City), Marc Guehi (Manchester City), Dan Burn (Newcastle), Nico O’Reilly (Manchester City), Djed Spence (Tottenham), Tino Livramento (Newcastle)

Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Elliot Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Noni Madueke (Arsenal)

-Reporting by Martyn Herman; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters